It is imperative to notify the University of Calgary Body Donation Program of a passing as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. We must receive the body within 72 hours from the time of death.
A representative of the program is available 24/7/365 and can be reached by contacting 403-220-6950 and selecting option #1. If the call is time sensitive our contracted funeral service provider, Prairie Rose Cremation & Funeral Services, can be reached directly at 403-216-5111.
Acceptance into the Program
It is during the Notification of Death phone call that the exclusion criteria are confirmed and acceptance or denial into the program is determined. Please note we are only able to discuss sensitive records with next of kin, executors, and medical professionals when determining acceptance into the program. If accepted, arrangements will be made to transport the decedent safely into the care of the university and documentation will be sent to the legal next of kin or executor. If the donation is declined at the time of death, the executor or next of kin will need to make alternate arrangements for disposition. Pre-registration with the program prior to death is not necessarily required for a donation to be accepted.
After Acceptance
After an individual has been accepted into the Cumming School of Medicine's Body Donation Program, the executor or next of kin will be required to complete documents related to body donation. For convenience, we can send electronic copies via email or fax, or meet with the family at the Foothills Campus.
These documents include a UCalgary Body Donation Program Donation Consent Form to confirm the donation as well as plans following the end of the study; a Donor Demographics Form to gather all necessary vital statistic information to register the passing with the province of Alberta; and a Cremation Authorization Form required to proceed with cremation of the donor once their time with the program has been completed.
